Nationwide unrest looms as ‘No Kings’ demonstrators begin to gather in major US cities

Millions of Americans are gearing up for a nationwide "No Kings" protest on Saturday, with demonstrators taking to the streets across thousands of locations in an effort to challenge President Donald Trump and his GOP priorities. The second such rally since Trump took office is expected to draw significant crowds, with some Democratic members and candidates for Congress planning to attend.

The protests are seen as a way for Democrats to express their opposition to what they see as the Republican's attempts to centralize power in Washington and undermine democratic institutions. However, Republicans argue that the rallies are simply an effort to distract from the current government shutdown battle and appease their base.

House Speaker Mike Johnson told FOX Business that he hoped Democratic leaders who attend the rallies would be more willing to accept the GOP's plan after the demonstrations are over, but he sounded skeptical of this possibility. "It'll be a collection of wild leftist policy priorities, and that'll be on display for the whole country," he said. "After that's over, I hope there's a few Democrats over here who will come to their senses and return to governing the country."

Despite Johnson's concerns, it appears that many Democratic lawmakers are planning to attend the rallies, including House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries and Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer.

The "No Kings" protests have gained attention from some fringe groups with extremist views, including anti-Israel radicals from the "Global Intifada" movement. These groups have been linked to violence and vandalism in the past, and law enforcement officials are bracing for potential disruptions during the rallies.

As the nation waits with bated breath for the start of the protests, Governor Glenn Youngkin has mobilized the National Guard in Virginia to help maintain order and prevent any chaos or destruction. The governor has warned that there will be zero tolerance for any acts of violence, vandalism, or disruption of traffic.

In addition to the mainland United States, "No Kings" protests are also planned for Puerto Rico, Hawaii, Alaska, and multiple European countries. In Mexico, a rally is planned outside the U.S. embassy in Mexico City.

The nationwide "No Kings" protest on Saturday is a significant event that highlights the deepening divide between Democrats and Republicans over issues such as healthcare, immigration, and governance. As the country waits with anticipation for the start of the rallies, one thing is clear: this will be an event to remember.

I don’t usually comment but... it's wild how polarized everything has gotten in this country right now . I mean, on one hand, I get why people want to stand up and express their opposition to what they see as the GOP trying to undermine democratic institutions. But at the same time, I'm like, shouldn't we all just try to find common ground and work together? It feels like everyone's taking a super hardline stance and it's making me a bit worried about where we're headed .

And can we talk about how some of these protests are getting hijacked by fringe groups with extremist views? I don't think that's what most people who are showing up to protest want, you know? It's like, let's keep the conversation civil and focused on the issues at hand .

im not surprised about these protests, it feels like were at a breaking point in americans politics anyway i think its a shame that people are gonna get hurt or arrested because of their opinions, like governor youngkin said no violence should happen but hows everyone supposed to know whats gonna go down without some kind of plan in place? and what does mike johnson mean by wild leftist policy priorities? is he just trying to undermine the democrats or is there something specific thats bothering him about the protesters plans i think its gonna be an interesting day on saturday

I'm low-key hyped for this Saturday's "No Kings" protest ! I think it's awesome that millions of Americans are speaking up about their concerns and exercising their right to free speech. It's like, we gotta have these kinds of conversations in our democracy, you know? The fact that some Democratic lawmakers are planning to attend shows me they're down to listen to the other side's perspective too. I'm all for a little civil unrest when it comes to keeping those in power accountable . And, tbh, I'm a bit worried about those extremist groups showing up , but I trust our law enforcement and governor Glenn Youngkin will keep everything safe and peaceful. Fingers crossed!

im wondering if its really worth all the drama... these "No Kings" protests are just gonna fuel more division & anger between dems & reps meanwhile, we gotta deal with actual problems like climate change & economic inequality

Wow, it's gonna be crazy out there on Saturday , people are so passionate about the whole "No Kings" thing, can't wait to see how it all goes down

The whole "No Kings" thing is kinda interesting... I feel like we're all just trying to figure out what's going on in our government, you know? Both parties are getting pretty worked up about their own agendas, but at the end of the day, isn't that kind of the point - to have a say and make your voice heard?

I'm worried that with all these protests and rallies happening, we might be overlooking some really important conversations about how we can actually work together to solve our problems. I mean, can't we find common ground on healthcare and immigration or something? It's not like one side is never right and the other always wrong... we're just human beings trying to make a difference.

I'm curious to see what happens on Saturday - are people gonna show up and express their opinions, but then actually listen to each other's perspectives too? Only time will tell!

I'm low-key nervous about these "No Kings" protests . I've seen how passionate people can get when it comes to politics, but I hope everyone remains peaceful and respectful . I think it's cool that Democrats are using their platform to express their opinions, though – it's all part of the democratic process, right?

I'm also a bit concerned about those extremist groups showing up . We've seen how much trouble they can cause at protests in the past, and I just want everyone to be safe . I hope law enforcement is ready for anything that might happen.

On the other hand, it's awesome to see so many people from different places and backgrounds coming together to make their voices heard . And hey, even if there are some disruptions, I'm sure most people will just want to have a peaceful day out with family and friends .

I've been following this story, and I think it's great that some Republican leaders are willing to listen to the other side's perspective . Maybe we can learn from each other and find common ground after all? Fingers crossed for a peaceful and productive dialogue .

OMG , I'm low-key hyped about these "No Kings" protests on Saturday! It's so cool that people are speaking out against the Republican party's attempts to centralize power and undermine democracy. As a neutral observer, it's clear that both sides have valid concerns, but this protest is definitely about taking a stand .

I'm also super curious to see how Governor Glenn Youngkin handles the situation in Virginia - I hope they're prepared for anything! On the other hand, I don't think we should be surprised if some fringe groups show up and try to cause trouble... that's just part of the deal when you're dealing with big events like this .

One thing that's bugging me is how the GOP is trying to spin this protest as a distraction - like, can't they just own their policies and stop trying to attack each other? Anyway, I'm hoping for a peaceful and informative day on Saturday, with lots of passionate voices sharing their opinions . Fingers crossed it all goes down without a hitch !

OMG, I'm low-key worried about these "No Kings" protests ! It sounds like things are getting pretty heated between Democrats and Republicans, and I don't want anyone to get hurt . The fact that some fringe groups with extremist views are involved makes me really nervous . Governor Youngkin is doing a good job of mobilizing the National Guard in Virginia, though - fingers crossed they can keep everyone safe .

It's also kinda interesting that Democrats are using these protests as an opportunity to express their opposition to GOP priorities . I'm not sure if it'll lead to any real change, but hey, at least they're trying . The fact that some Dem lawmakers are planning to attend the rallies is a good sign - maybe it'll help bridge the gap between parties .

One thing's for sure: this protest is gonna be EPIC ! I just hope everyone stays calm and peaceful throughout the whole thing . Fingers crossed for a positive outcome .

I'm low-key hoping these protests are gonna be super well-organized lol. Don't wanna see any actual violence or property damage . I think it's cool that some Dem reps are planning to attend tho, maybe they can actually get something done after the rally . As for the GOP, idk man... seem like they're just trying to stir up drama and distract from the shutdown issue . Either way, I'm curious to see how this all goes down. Maybe we'll finally have some real discourse about governance and policy? Fingers crossed .

The show must go on . It's all about finding a balance between opposing views without giving in to chaos . The fact that some extremist groups are trying to hijack the movement only highlights the importance of staying true to one's principles .

As we wait for the protests to begin, it's essential to remember that the power lies with the people . It's up to us to make our voices heard without resorting to violence or destruction . The outcome is far from certain, but one thing is clear: this will be a defining moment in American history .

In the end, it's all about listening to each other and trying to find common ground . It won't be easy, but if we can put our differences aside, maybe – just maybe – we'll come out stronger on the other side .

ugh I dont get why ppl have 2 protest about presidents decisions, cant we just disagree n move on?? these "no kings" ppl r literally protesting against trump but also kinda enabling dems & reps 2 take advantage of each other's outrage... it's like they're playing a game of political ping pong meanwhile gov shutdown is real ppl need food n jobs what's more important, being right or being functional?

omg i'm so hyped !!! the no kings protest is literally going to be EVERYTHING it's like the ultimate statement against trump and gop priorities... i'm totally team democrats rn can't wait to see all these rallies across the country, from puerto rico to europe and hopefully they'll make some real change happen

idk why ppl r gettin all worked up about this "No Kings" protest it's just another example of politicians tryin to outmaneuver each other like, what's the big deal? they're all just tryin to advance their agendas anyway and honestly, i think it's kinda funny how everyone's gettin so salty about it guess that's what happens when you got ppl with strong opinions

gotta say, this whole "No Kings" protest thing feels like a classic case of Republicans trying to stir up drama . I mean, come on, a nationwide rally with thousands of locations? Sounds like some kinda coordinated effort to me . And now they're warning about fringe groups and potential violence? sounds like a PR stunt to distract from the real issues at hand.

Personally, I think it's all about the drama and optics for both sides . Democrats are gonna show up, Republicans will claim it's all about chaos, and nobody's really gonna listen . Meanwhile, we're stuck in this gridlock cycle, with no end in sight . Can't wait to see how it all plays out on Saturday

I'm still thinking about those "No Kings" protests last year... like, what even was that all about? I mean, it's like they were saying we don't need a president with actual power, but honestly, isn't that kind of the whole point of having one? And now there's another one happening and people are all geared up to protest... it feels like just a big show.

But seriously, it's kinda interesting how both sides are dug in on these issues... like, what's the deal with Democrats wanting to take down Republican power and Republicans wanting to keep centralizing it? Can't we all just get along and compromise or something?

I'm not sure why people have to make it so complicated . Can't we just have a calm conversation about our differences? This whole "No Kings" protest thing feels like just another excuse for politicians to stir up drama and pretend they're fighting for something meaningful . And what's with the name, anyway? It sounds like something out of a fantasy novel . Just because it's called a protest doesn't mean it has to be so confrontational or divisive. Can't we just agree to disagree and move on? The fact that some fringe groups are getting all riled up about this is just a total mess . And what's with the National Guard being deployed? That sounds like an overreaction to me .